Verifying and encouraging asset consumption in a communications network

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods presented herein generally provide for the compensation of asset providers and/or communications network providers for the non-consumption of assets provided with programming In this regard when users elect not to consume the assets associated with the programming, the asset provider loses the opportunity to present their assets to such non-consuming users and is thereby injured in relation to the price they have paid for the delivery of their assets. In one arrangement, a reporting module at a customer device is operative to identify when a user skips an asset and report that skip event to the network. This information may then be utilized to adjust the bill of the asset provider and/or to bill the user associated with the skip event.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 to U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/887,750, entitled, “COMPENSATING FOR AD-SKIPPING IN ACOMMUNICATIONS NETWORK,” filed on Feb. 1, 2007, the contents of whichare incorporated herein as if set forth in full.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the distribution of assets,such as ads or other material, together with content such as programmingvia a network interface. More particularly, the invention relates toverifying consumption of assets by network users. Such verificationallows for encouraging consumption of assets through incentives andassociated consumer loyalty programs, as well as achieving a premium onasset delivery due to verified consumption. Conversely, consumptionverification enables identification of events where network users skip,or elect not to consume, assets, thereby potentially impacting therevenue model of the network. Once skip events are identified, they canbe accounted for in various ways. One particularly advantageousapplication of the invention is to verify ad consumption in networks,such as various broadcast networks including cable television networks,having assets temporally interleaved with content (e.g., ad breaks) ortemporally overlapping content (e.g., product placement).

BACKGROUND

Users of communications networks, e.g., broadcast networks, datanetworks, etc., typically use the networks because of the desirabilityof obtaining content available on the networks. For example, suchcontent may include text, audio, graphics and/or full video content. Thecontent is provided by content providers and may be provided directlyfrom the content providers to users via the network, or the content maybe provided to the users via an intermediate network operator. In anycase, content is typically developed or acquired by the contentproviders at significant expense, and the business models that make suchnetworks viable generally entail some mechanism for compensating thecontent providers and/or network operators for making the contentavailable.

Those business models may involve, for example, advertising revenues oruser fees. In the case of ad-supported networks, advertisers pay toassociate ads for their services or products with content disseminatedvia the network. These advertising revenues subsidize or fully cover thecosts of providing the content desired by users. In fee-based networks,users directly pay to have access to the content, e.g., on a monthly orper access event basis. Some networks involve both user fees andadvertising revenues. In any case, the content is not free, though itmight appear so from the user's perspective.

The case of broadcast networks, such as cable television networks, isillustrative. In such networks, content or programming may be providedfrom a variety of sources, e.g., programming networks, local affiliates,etc. In the case of cable television networks, the content is madeavailable to users or subscribers via network operators such as MultipleSystem Operators (MSOs). Some channels may be ad supported and otherchannels, i.e., premium channels, may be supported at least in part byadditional fees paid by subscribers. In the case of ad-supportedchannels (and even premium channels), various forms of advertising maybe employed including conventional ads temporally interleaved withprogramming segments and product placement ads. For example, theprogramming may be interrupted by a commercial break, divided into anumber of ad spots. Advertisers pay to place ads into each of thesespots. In the case of product placement ads, advertisers may pay to havetheir products or services appear or be referenced during programming.

It will be appreciated that ad skipping or tuning away from an ad (e.g.,channel surfing during a commercial break), where a network user electsnot to consume ads, has the potential to undermine the business modelthat makes ad-supported content dissemination viable. While this concernpotentially applies to a variety of network environments, it has beenparticularly realized in relation to television networks (i.e., cableand satellite television networks) due to the increasing prevalence ofdigital video recorders (DVRs) and associated time-shifted viewing, aswell as the common practice of tuning away during ads. In particular, itis increasingly common for users to view programming that has beenpreviously recorded and to fast-forward through, or otherwise skip, thecommercial breaks. Indeed, in some cases, this has been promoted by themanufactures of DVRs. The diminution of the audience size is a concernto advertisers and network providers and may become a concern to userswho have come to expect subsidization by advertisers of the costs ofmaking content available via communications networks. Moreover, theexpectation that some unknown number of network users, to whom an assethas been broadcast, may not consume the asset, may devalue the pricethat asset providers will pay for asset delivery according toconventional measures.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to verifying and encouragingconsumption of assets. Advertisers or other asset providers typicallypay based on an expected or measured volume of distribution (e.g., basedon a cost per thousand users or CPM) or volume of users meetingspecified demographic or other criteria. This corresponds to a value perimpression that can be readily calculated. This is notionally the valuethat is lost to an asset provider and/or network operator when an assetis not consumed, Simply knowing how many asset consumption events haveoccurred has value in administering a network. In addition. assetconsumption can be encouraged or non-consumption accounted for invarious ways.

It has been realized that many users of the communications networksprefer to receive their programming free of assets or choose not toconsume assets. Nonetheless, it is believed that many users may bewilling to receive and consume assets if provided a sufficient economicmotivation. For example, consumers may be willing to receive and consumeassets in order to receive free or reduced rate programming or othereconomic benefit. Other users may be willing to pay a premium to receiveprogramming free from assets or to skip or tune away from assets. Inthis regard, by allowing consumers to elect to provide value byconsuming the assets or by paying a premium, asset providers may becompensated (e.g., charged lower asset delivery costs) or may berefunded asset delivery fees paid up-front based on the reduction in thedelivery of those assets. In the case where users elect not to consumeassets, they may pay a premium equal to the above-noted value perimpression, or some other amount, resulting in reduced or no impact onrevenues, or even revenue enhancement. In any case, a combination of thefees paid by asset providers for the delivery of their assets, any feescharged to users who elect not to consume assets and/or enhancedrevenues due to increased asset consumption and verified consumption,may allow for the continued subsidizing of the programming costs byadvertisers for those users who elect to receive and consume assets withtheir programming.

Moreover, it has been recognized that a system for encouraging andverifying asset consumption can provide a number of other benefits.First, because it is expected that some network users will not consumeassets that have been broadcast, absent the verification system of thepresent invention, this may be reflected in lower CPMs (or similarmeasures). Thus, if consumption is verified, it is expected that higherCPMs for verified consumption may be justified. The result may beimproved ad effectiveness, revenue enhancement and potentially reducedsubscription fees for network users.

Such a system also enables various customer loyalty programs withattendant benefits to network users, network providers and assetproviders. For example, a network provider (e.g., an MSO in the case ofa cable television network) may establish an account for each networkuser and credit a user's account some value or count in connection withverified consumption of assets. The account can then be used to rewardusers based on a volume and/or value of assets consumed, e.g., in theform of credits against the network user's bill, credits towardsupgrades or extras (e.g., fee based services such as VOD programs),credits towards a threshold for receiving an award such as one-month offree services, or credits towards a third party or affiliate rewardsprogram (e.g., frequent flyer miles, UPromise accounts, etc.).

Moreover, the information acquired in connection with such a system mayhave value for other applications. For example, the system mayaccumulate information regarding which network users have consumed whatassets, how many consumers have elected not to consume an asset and/orwhat level of interest was indicated by consumers (e.g., a click streammay indicate a high likelihood that a user was present, an intentionaldwelling on the asset, a muting or reduced volume for the asset, etc.).In this regard, network users may opt-in or consent to such collectionof information, e.g., due to a desire to participate in anawards/loyalty program or to improve asset targeting, and may providedemographics, lifestyle, product interest or other information in anassociated registration process. Such information may be used to valueasset delivery, to analyze an effectiveness of an ad campaign or tobetter understand a target audience for an asset.

In addition, a database of such information facilitates processes bywhich further contacts may be made. For example, users may make requeststo, e.g., asset providers and asset providers may respond. For example,in the case of a cable television network, a user viewing an ad mayprovide an input (e.g., by entering a specified remote control key) ator near the time of ad delivery so as to request a coupon, requestfurther product information or indicate a willingness to be contacted bymail, email, phone or other means. Again, such inputs may be encouragedthrough a loyalty/rewards program. The appropriate asset provider oranother party can then respond accordingly, e.g., via the broadcastnetwork or another network. It will be appreciated in this regard thatcertain assets and prompts may be provided only to participating networkusers. For example, during a travel program, all or only participatingusers may receive an overlaid ad for vacation-related products orservices (e.g., at the bottom of the television screen during aprogramming segment) or an ad during a commercial break. Additionally oralternatively, all or only participating users may receive a prompt toenter a certain remote control key for coupons or promotionalinformation that may be related to a current subject matter ofprogramming or an asset delivered to the user (e.g., as indicated bytargeting metadata, a program guide, SAP keyword searches, etc.). Thesefeatures and advantages are enabled by the various aspects of theinvention as set forth below.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a method andapparatus (“utility”) is provided for monitoring consumption of assetstransmitted in a communications network, for example, a cable televisionnetwork. The utility involves: monitoring user inputs, e.g., at a userequipment device, in relation to playing of an asset; and processinginformation related to the user inputs to determine a consumption statusof the asset. For example, the consumption status may indicate that theasset was not consumed (e.g., that a user or skipped or fast-forwardedthrough an ad, that an asset was only partially consumed (e.g., that auser tuned away from an ad), or that a low level of interest by the useris indicated (e.g., an ad was muted or the volume was reduced, or thatthere was a lack of active interest at the time of the ad due to anextended period without user inputs). Conversely, the user inputs mayindicate that the asset was consumed and that active interest isindicated (e.g., an ad was played in full and/or a responsive input wasreceived in relation to the ad).

The processing of this information may involve providing an output to anetwork platform. The output may identify, directly or indirectly, thenetwork user, the ad at issue and information indicating a consumptionstatus. In one implementation, raw information reflecting a stream ofuser inputs is reported to a network platform where the inputs can beanalyzed in relation to stored information, concerning assetstransmitted in the network, to determine what assets were consumed,whether they were consumed in full and, perhaps, what level of interestis indicated. The input stream may also be analyzed to obtaindemographic or classification information regarding the user.

In another implementation, the user inputs may be processed at the userequipment device to yield processed report information for transmissionto a network platform. For example, the report information may identifythe user, and asset slot (e.g., programming channel and commercialbreak-slot) and a value indicating consumption status. For example, anasset may be deemed to be “consumed” if the user meets a definedthreshold, e.g., if the user consumes the first ten seconds or at least30% of the full asset. In this manner, the report can provide a binaryconsumed or not consumed indication for ease of processing. Where theinvention is implemented in conjunction with a targeted advertisingsystem, as described below, the report may also identify, directly orindirectly, the asset that was delivered (e.g., an ad identifier or anad channel selected) and provide an estimated goodness of fit of thecurrent viewer to the targeting parameters for the asset.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a utility isprovided for identifying asset non-consumption events such asfast-forwarding through or tuning away from an asset (“skip events” or“skipping”). The utility involves identifying a user input related to anasset skipping event and associating the input with one or more assetdelivery opportunities. The user input may be provided in advance orconcurrent with an asset delivery opportunity. For example, the user mayelect to have content delivered free from assets or may receive contentwith assets and then fast-forward through and otherwise skip the assetsas asset delivery opportunities occur. The utility further involvesrecording skip information corresponding to the asset skip event. Thisinformation may be recorded in memory of a user equipment device (e.g.,for later reporting in the case of skips executed at the user equipmentdevice) or at a network platform. It will thus be appreciated that theutility may be implemented at a user equipment device or a networkplatform separate from the user equipment device, or may be distributedacross multiple platforms (e.g., the user equipment device and aseparate network platform or platforms). The skip information can beused in network administration such as to monitor a prevalence of assetskipping, to bill customers, and/or to compensate asset providers orothers based on asset skipping.

The present utility may be utilized in real-time broadcast,forward-ad-store (time-shifted) and on-demand contexts. In the on-demandcontent, the utility may further involve transmitting the skipinformation to a content source of the communications network. Thiscontent source may be operative to alter delivery of the content inaccordance with such skip information. For instance, a content source inthe communications network (e.g., a server such as a VOD server, headendor other content device) may receive the skip information prior totransmission of the desired content and may select an asset free versionof the content for transmission. Alternatively, the content source mayreceive skip information substantially at a time slot associated withone or more assets. The content source may then skip one or more assetsassociated with that time slot and resume providing the programming tothe user. In this regard, assets can be selected or deselected on an ala carte basis. In such cases, the skip information or the associatedskip event may be recorded by the content source or other platformwithin the communications network. In connection with theforward-and-store context, the relevant methodology may further includestoring the content received from the communications network and at asubsequent time outputting the content to a user.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a utility isprovided for use in reporting asset skipping events from a userequipment device (e.g., customer premises equipment such as a set-topbox or enhanced television or portable equipment such as a wirelessphone, PDA, portable hard-drive based devices or the like). The utilityinvolves receiving content at a user equipment device from acommunications network interface where the content includes programmingand associated assets. This content may then be stored for subsequentconsumption or played in real-time. For example, in the case oftelevision networks, the content may be stored using a DVR. Duringconsumption, the content is output to a user, and the consumption statusof one or more assets associated with that content may be monitored,e.g., to identify fast-forwarding through an asset. In the real-timebroadcast context, the system can determine, e.g., whether the asset wasconsumed or if the user tuned away from the asset. One or more signalsindicative of the consumption status of one or more of the assetsassociated with the programming can then be generated. These signals maybe transmitted to a platform in the communications network.

The communications network may be any network that is operable toprovide content to a user via a network interface. For instance, thecommunications network may be a broadcast network, such as a cabletelevision network, satellite television network or a radio network. Infurther arrangements, the communications network may include telephonynetworks, such as a landline network or a wireless network. In stillanother arrangement, the communications network may include apacket-switched network such as the Internet. In various differentarrangements, the communications network may simultaneously providecontent to multiple users or may provide content to individual users ona request basis. That is, in the latter regard, the communicationsnetwork may be an on-demand network where a user may request specificcontent.

In any arrangement, it may be desirable that the signals indicative ofthe consumption status of one or more assets be provided to a networkplatform such that, for example, asset providers may be compensatedand/or non-consuming users may be billed or otherwise disadvantaged inrelation to at least some portion of the value of the non-consumedassets. Such signals may be transmitted via the same communicationinterface over which the content was received. Alternatively, separatecommunications pathways may be utilized.

According to another aspect of the invention, a utility is provided foruse in monitoring asset skip inputs entered during playing content at auser equipment device. The utility includes outputting content to a userof a communications network that includes programming and assets. Suchassets are typically interleaved with the programming, e.g., insertedinto breaks in the programming. One or more skip-inputs may be receivedfrom the user that is associated with one or more asset deliveryopportunities in the programming. Such skip-inputs may includefast-forward inputs as well as skip-forward inputs from the user, tuningaway inputs, a selection input from the user indicating a selection toreceive delivery of programming free from assets, or any other suitableskip-input. Consumption information associated with the skip-input(s)may be recorded. Finally, such consumption information may betransmitted to a platform in the communications network.

Consumption information may be recorded on a spot-by-spot basis whereeach spot is an asset delivery opportunity, e.g., an ad time slot withina commercial break on a given channel of a cable television network.Each such spot may be associated with one or more assets associated withcorresponding skip inputs. Resulting records may be transmittedindividually to the platform or skip information for a number of skipinputs may be stored and transmitted together to the platform of thecommunications network. For instance, a user equipment device (e.g., acustomer premises equipment device—CPE) of a communications network mayrecord skip information from the user associated with consumption ornon-consumption of various assets over a predetermined period of time.The CPE may then report consumption status for that time period at asubsequent and/or predetermined time.

According to another aspect of the invention, a utility is provided foruse in determining billing values based on information concerning theconsumption or non-consumption of assets at a user equipment device. Theutility involves transmitting content via a communications network to atleast a first user equipment device of a network user. This content mayagain include programming and associated assets. One or more signals maybe received from the CPE regarding the consumption status of one or moreof the assets. These signals are then utilized to calculate a billingvalue associated with the assets.

As may be appreciated, the value of providing an asset viacommunications network may in some instances be computed on a perimpression basis. For example, a value per network user may becalculated for the asset based on a fee or fee rate established for theasset (e.g., cost per thousand recipients—CPM) and the basis for the feeor fee rate (e.g., the number of recipients on which the fee or fee rateis based). In instances where a user elects not to consume an asset, asignal indicative of the non-consumption of that asset may be utilizedto calculate the billing value for the non-consumed asset. The billingvalue may be the same as or different than the per-impression value.Moreover, the per-impression value may change due to deliveryverification and any associated consumer classification information.This billing value may then be utilized to adjust the asset deliverycost charged to an asset provider. Alternatively, a bill may begenerated to the non-consuming user that reflects a value associatedwith the non-delivered asset. Further, signals indicating theconsumption status of one or more assets may be utilized to adjustaudience size estimations for one or more assets based on a plurality ofsuch signals. In the latter regard, it will be appreciated that multiplesignals may be received from multiple users of the communicationsnetwork, Further, these signals may be received at different times. Forinstance, where some network users utilize a forward-and-storearchitecture, consumption signals may be received at different times.

According to another aspect of the invention, a utility is provided formonitoring asset delivery in connection with a communications networkfor transmitting content to multiple user equipment devices of multiplenetwork users. The content includes programming and associated assets,which may be interleaved with the programming. One or more signals arereceived from the user equipment devices regarding one or more assetskip events associated with one or more of the assets. These signals arethen utilized to calculate billing information associated with theassets. The billing information may be reflected on bills for individualnetwork users based on any assets skipped by each individual networkuser. Alternatively, the billing information may include an adjustmentto an asset delivery cost of an asset provider.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a consumerloyalty or rewards program is established based on asset consumption. Anassociated utility involves: establishing a rewards account for anetwork user; monitoring consumption of assets by the user; andcrediting value to the rewards account based on monitored consumption ofassets. In a preferred implementation, consumption of assets is verifiedbased on monitoring user inputs at the user equipment device. Value maybe credited to the user in any suitable form including, for example,credits towards the user's bill, credits towards service upgrades oradd-ons, or credits to third party or affiliate rewards programs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates major components of a cable television network.

FIG. 2 illustrates assets being transmitted from a headend to a CPEdevice.

FIG. 3 illustrates information that may be included in a report file.

FIG. 4 illustrates the system being implemented in differentcommunications networks.

FIG. 5 illustrates a messaging sequence between a CPE, a networkplatform, and a traffic and billing (T&B) system.

FIG. 6 illustrates a reporting system.

FIG. 7 illustrates various network components of a reporting system andtheir connections to other functional components of the billing system.

FIG. 8 illustrates a customer premises side process for implementingreporting functionality.

FIG. 9 illustrates a network side process for implementing reportingfunctionality.

FIG. 10 illustrates a Request for Information system in accordance withthe present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to various structure and functionality fordelivery of media content in a communications network, as well asassociated business methods. Content may be delivered from a variety ofnetworks including, for example, cable and satellite televisionnetworks, satellite radio networks, IP networks used for multicastingcontent and networks used for podcasts or telephonybroadcasts/multicasts. Certain aspects of the invention make use ofbidirectional communication channels that may not be readily available,for example, in connection with conventional terrestrial orsatellite-based television or radio networks (i.e., such communicationwould involve supplemental communication systems). In various contexts,the content may be consumed in real time or stored for subsequentconsumption. Thus, while specific examples are provided below in thecontext of a cable television network for purposes of illustration, itwill be appreciated that the invention is not limited to such contextsbut, rather, has application to a variety of networks and transmissionmodes.

As discussed above, various aspect of the present invention relate to:verifying consumption of assets; encouraging consumption of assets ordiscouraging skipping of assets; and accounting for the value of assetdelivery in relation to verified asset consumption, which may includerich classification information regarding the household and/or thecurrent network user. A particularly advantageous implementation of thepresent invention is in conjunction with a targeted advertising systemfor a cable television network. In this context, the asset consumptionverification system can take advantage of user presence andclassification information and reporting functionality that may be inplace to support targeted advertising. Moreover, the targetedadvertising system may be enhanced by information gathered in relationto the asset consumption verification system. Accordingly, much of thediscussion below is set forth in the context of an asset consumptionverification system implemented in conjunction with a targetedadvertising system. However, it will be appreciated that various aspectsof the invention are not limited to this context.

In addition, it will be appreciated that consumption of assets may betracked in relation to reporting of assets consumed or reporting ofassets skipped, as well as enhanced reporting such as partialconsumption, level of interest, goodness of fit, etc. For convenience,the discussion herein sometimes refers to asset “skipping” and usessimilar nomenclature to identify systems and components. It will beappreciated that this is simply for convenience and does not connote alimitation in this regard.

The following description is divided into a number of sections. In theIntroduction section, the broadcast network and network programmingenvironments are first described. Thereafter, an overview of the assetdelivery environment is provided including a discussion of certainshortcomings of the conventional asset delivery paradigm. The succeedingsection provides an overview of an ad skip monitoring system inaccordance with the present invention highlighting advantages of certainpreferred implementations thereof. Finally, the last section describesindividual components and exemplary implementations of the system ingreater detail with specific reference to ad skip monitoring in a cabletelevision environment.

I. Introduction

A. Broadcast Networks

One application of the present invention is in the context of networksused to provide broadcast content, herein termed broadcast networks.Such broadcast networks generally involve synchronized distribution ofbroadcast content to multiple users. However, it will be appreciatedthat certain broadcast networks are not limited to synchronously pushingcontent to multiple users but can also be used to deliver content tospecific users, including on a user pulled basis. Examples of broadcastnetworks used to deliver content to specific users on a pulled basisinclude broadcast networks used to deliver on demand content such as VODand podcasts. Examples of broadcast networks include cable televisionnetworks, satellite television networks, and satellite radio networks.In addition, audio, video or other content may be broadcast acrossInternet protocol and telephony networks. In any such networks, it iscommon practice to insert informational content or “assets” such asadvertisements into a broadcast stream. The present invention provides avariety of functionality in this regard, as will be discussed in detailbelow.

For purposes of illustration, the invention is described in someinstances below in the context of a cable television networkimplementation. Some major components of a cable television network 100are depicted in FIG. 1. In the illustrated network 100, a headend 104obtains broadcast content from any of a number of sources 101-103.Additionally, broadcast content may be obtained from storage media 105such as via a video server. The illustrated sources include an antenna101, for example, for receiving content via the airwaves, a satellitedish 102 for receiving content via satellite communications, and a fiberlink 103 for receiving content directly from studios or other contentsources. It will be appreciated that the illustrated sources 101-103 and105 are provided for purposes of illustration and other sources may beutilized.

The headend 104 processes the received content for transmission tonetwork users. Among other things, the headend 104 may be operative toamplify, convert and otherwise process the broadcast content signals aswell as to combine the signals into a common cable for transmission tonetwork users 107 or the headend 104 may be operative to process thesignals to provide individual content for specific households (e.g.,household 111). The headend also processes signals from users in avariety of contexts as described below. The headend 104 may thus bethought of as the control center or local control center of the cabletelevision network 100.

Typically, there is not a direct fiber link from the headend 104 to acustomer premises equipment (CPE) device 108. Rather, this connectiongenerally involves a system of feeder cables and drop cables that definea number of system subsections or branches. This distribution networkmay include a number of nodes 109. The signal may be processed at thesenodes 109 to insert localized content, filter the locally availablechannels or otherwise control the content delivered to users in the nodearea. In some cases, the nodes 109 may process content received from theheadend 104 to generate individualized content for a specific household,The resulting content within a node area is typically distributed byoptical and/or coaxial links 106 to the premises of particular users107. Finally, the content is processed by the CPE 108, which may includea television, data terminal, a digital set top box, DVR or otherterminal equipment. It will be appreciated that digital or analogsignals may be involved in this regard.

B. Asset Delivery

Broadcast networks, such as described in FIG. 1, may includeasset-supported and premium content channels/networks. Such programmingcontent generally comes at a substantial cost. That is, the programmingproviders expect to be compensated for the programming that they providewhich has generally been developed or acquired at significant cost. Thatcompensation may be generated by asset delivery revenues, by fees paidby users for premium channels, or some combination of the two. In somecases, funding may come from another source such as public funding.

In the case of asset-supported networks, the conventional paradigminvolves time slot buys. Specifically, asset providers generally.identify a particular program or time-slot on a particular network wherethey desire their assets to be aired. The cost for the airing of theasset depends on a number of factors, but primary factors are the sizeof the audience for the programming in connection with which the assetis aired and the demographic composition of the audience. Thus, thestandard pricing model is based on the cost per thousand viewers (CPM),where the desired demographics of those viewers may be specified. Thesize of the audience is generally determined based on ratings. The mostcommon benchmark for establishing these ratings is the system of NielsenMedia Research Corporation Nielsen). One technique used by Nielseninvolves monitoring the viewing habits of a presumably statisticallyrelevant sampling of the universe of users. Based on an analysis of thesample group, the Nielsen system can estimate what portion of theaudience particular programs received and, from this, an estimatedaudience size for the program can be projected. More specifically,ratings may be generated for each network for each quarter hour segment.The presumption is then made that users for a program (corresponding toa quarter hour segment of a network) also consume the assets for thatprogram. Thus, the historical performance of the particular program, forexample, as estimated by the Nielsen system, may be used to set assetdelivery prices for future time slots or “breaks” associated with thatprogram.

Generally, a break may include a series of asset delivery spots and thecontent of a break may be determined by a number of entities. Forexample, some asset delivery is distributed on a basis coextensive withnetwork programming, e.g., on a national basis. This asset delivery isconventionally scheduled based on a timed playlist. That is, theinsertion of content is centrally controlled to insert assets at definedtimes. Accordingly, the programming and national asset delivery may beprovided by the programming networks as a continuous content streamwithout cues for asset insertion. For example, prime-time programming onthe major networks is often principally provided in this fashion.

In other cases, individual spots within a break are allocated forRegional Operations Center (ROC), affiliate, super headend or local(headend, zone) content. In these cases, a cue tone or messageidentifies the start of the asset delivery spot or spots (a series ofassets in a break may all trigger from one cue). The cue generallyoccurs a few seconds before the start of the asset delivery insertionopportunity and may occur, for example, during programming or during thebreak (e.g., during a national ad). The ad skip monitoring system of thepresent invention, as will be more fully discussed herein, can beimplemented at any or all levels of this hierarchy to allow forcompensation with respect to national, regional and local entities.

Network operators or local network affiliates can generally schedule thenon-national assets to be included within defined breaks or spots foreach ad-supported channel. Conventionally, this scheduling is finalizedahead of time, typically on a daily or longer basis. The scheduledassets for a given break are then normally inserted at the headend inresponse to the cue tone or message in the programming stream.Typically, all assets within a break trigger from a single cue tone ormessage. Thus, for example, where a given break includes three spots,the scheduled asset for the first spot is inserted at a first timeperiod after the cue, the scheduled asset for the second spot isinserted at a second time period after the cue, and the scheduled assetfor the third spot is inserted at a third time period after the cue.Accordingly, prior to broadcast, the identities of the providers of theassets (e.g., national, regional and/or local) that will be providedwith programming are known. Therefore, if a user elects to skip an adspot in the programming, it may be determined which entity's ad wasskipped, based on the time the spot was skipped relative to theprogramming and/or by identifying metadata associated with a skippedasset, as will be more fully discussed herein.

As noted, network users employ the network, and content providers andnetwork operators derive revenue, based on delivery of desirable contentor programming. The stakeholders in this regard include programmingproviders, asset providers such as advertisers (who may be the same asor different than the programming providers), network operators such asMultiple Systems Operators (MSOs), and users—or viewers in the case oftelevision networks. Programming providers include, for example:networks who provide series and other programming, including on anational or international basis; local affiliates who often providelocal or regional programming; studios who create and market contentincluding movies, documentaries and the like; and a variety of othercontent owners or providers. Asset providers include a wide variety ofmanufacturers, retailers, service providers and public interest groupsinterested in, and generally willing to pay for, the opportunity todeliver messages to users on a local, regional, national orinternational level. Such assets include: conventional advertisements;tag content such as ad tags (which may include static graphic overlays,animated graphics files or even real-time video and audio) associatedwith the advertisements or other content; banners or other contentsuperimposed on or otherwise overlapping programming; product placement;and other advertising mechanisms. Network operators are generallyresponsible for delivering content to users and otherwise operating thenetworks as well as for contracting with the networks and assetproviders and for billing. Users are the end consumers of the content.Users may employ a variety of types of CPEs or other user equipmentdevices including television set top boxes, iPOD™ devices, dataterminals, wireless devices, satellite delivered video or audio to anautomobile and/or appliances with built-in televisions, etc.

Generally, it is assumed that all of these stakeholders have an interestin delivery of content that includes assets. For example, users canthereby have the costs of programming subsidized or wholly borne byasset providers. Asset providers are able to expose their assets topotential consumers, and network operators benefit due to the value ofthe network as an asset delivery mechanism. However, it will be noted.that it is sometimes unclear that the interests of all of thesestakeholders are aligned. For example, it may not be obvious to allusers that they benefit by consuming such assets. For instance, with therecent increased use of CPEs that have significant storage capabilities(e.g., televisions including or connected to DVRs) many users prefer tostore programming and consume the programming at a later time. Thisallows users the ability to fast-forward through or otherwise skipassets interleaved with the programming. Similarly, real-time viewersmay tune away from an asset.

Such asset-skipping allows the users to consume programmingsubstantially free of interleaved assets. However, this may affect theinterests of the asset providers and the network providers.Significantly as more users store programming and can readily skipassets, asset providers may reach a smaller audience with their assets.Accordingly, asset providers may demand that network operators chargelower fees as the operators are delivering assets to an effectivelysmaller audience. In turn, this reduces the revenues of the networkproviders. This may further result in the network operators increasinguser fees (e.g., monthly cable televisions costs). Thus, thenon-consumption of such assets by users may result in a smallerpercentage of the costs of programming being subsidized by the assetproviders. However, some users may be willing to avoid consuming suchassets even with an understanding of the associated costs. Conversely,verification of asset delivery may enable network operators to exact apremium for asset delivery. Moreover, some users may be willing toconsume assets, and even extra assets, if they can realize some portionof the associated value.

C. Ad-skipping overview

In response to the increasing frequency of users skipping assetsinterleaved within programming and the associated diminution of returnthat asset providers receive on their investment, a system forencouraging asset consumption and compensating asset providers and/ornetwork operators for skipped assets is provided. As noted above,programming is provided at considerable cost and, in the case of assetsupported networks, this cost is subsidized in whole or in part by assetdelivery revenues. That is, asset providers pay for the opportunity todeliver commercial impressions to users. In the context of the assetskip monitoring system described below, the value for delivery of theseassets can be translated into a value per impression per asset so as toenable accounting for asset skip events.

This per impression value may be calculated in any appropriate fashionsuch as based on asset delivery pricing information. The asset skipmonitoring system may be advantageously implemented in connection with atargeted asset system where CPEs select targeted assets for delivery andreport delivery to the network. Specifically, the reporting mechanismsused for reporting what assets were delivered may be expanded toidentify asset skip events. That is, the number of users receiving aparticular asset (i.e., the number of commercial impressions) may bedetermined from information reported to the network by CPEs within thenetwork. Such reporting of information is described in co-assigned andco-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/332,772 entitled“Monitoring a Broadcast Network” and having a filing date of Jan. 12,2006, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.In addition to being able to determine the number of commercialimpressions for a given asset, the delivery cost of each such asset isknown from contract information (e.g., an agreed upon price fordelivering an asset in a predetermined time slot). Accordingly, a costper user per asset can be directly calculated. When a user skips anasset, the value to the asset provider is notionally diminished by thisamount.

In the present system, asset skipping events can be detected and thisinformation can be reported. Likewise, the injured asset provider canthen be compensated for the diminished value of the delivered assetand/or the user can be billed to compensate for such asset skipping inwhole or in part. For example, in the latter regard, programming may bedelivered at a discount or free to users who agree to accept delivery ofassets. In VOD or DVR contexts, other users may skip one or more assets,and such skipping may be reported to the network. This facilitates assetdelivery support in certain contexts that have previously been limited,as a practical matter, to pay-per-view. For example, movies or near-term(e.g., next day) re-runs of network programming provided via aforward-and-store architecture may be asset supported as asset providerswill have reasonable assurance that their assets have been delivered.Additionally or alternatively, consumption of assets can be encouragedthrough customer loyalty programs as discussed above.

The ad skip monitoring system can be implemented for programming andassociated assets that are provided via a variety of distribution modesincluding real-time broadcast, forward-and-store and on-demand deliverysuch as VOD. The forward-and-store mode involves delivery of programmingand assets (i.e., media content) ahead of the time at playing to CPEswith adequate storage resources, e.g., a DVR ( or other storage) or dataterminal. This encompasses both situations where the content is intendedfor forward-and-store use, e.g., where content is delivered, asbandwidth is available, and user implemented time-shifted viewing, e.g.,where a DVR records regularly scheduled programming for later viewing.In the latter regard, the content is stored for later viewing, forexample., as prompted by the user or controlled according to logicresident at the CPE and/or elsewhere in the communications network. Theon-demand mode involves individualized delivery of media content fromthe network to a user, often on a pay-per-view basis. The presentinvention can be utilized in connection with any of these distributionmodes or others. In this regard, important features of the presentinvention can be implemented using conventional CPEs having storageresources.

II. System Overview

Such asset skip monitoring functionality can be implemented using avariety of architectures in accordance with the present invention. Forexample, the asset skipping functionality can be executed at least inpart at one or more network platforms remote from the user equipmentdevice, including, for example, a DSLAM, node, headend or otherplatform. Such a platform may receive raw or processed click streaminformation from the user equipment device and identify, for example,the assets at issue, asset skipping events and user classificationparameters. In this regard, the asset may be identified by determiningwhat channels were viewed during what time periods and correlating thisinformation to a database of what assets were inserted on what channelsat what times. Skip events and user classification parameters may bedetermined from the click stream as described below. The platform mayalso access loyalty program rules, compute loyalty program values andinterface with a traffic and billing system as described below.

Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 2, asset skip monitoringfunctionality can be implemented to a significant extent at the CPEs.This may involve real-time broadcast tracking or forward-and-storefunctionality where content, including programming and interleavedassets, is received by CPEs from the headend and stored for subsequentconsumption. In either case, any asset-skipping events can be identifiedand reported.

In such a system, asset insertion is generally (though not necessarily)executed at the headend. This is illustrated in FIG. 2. In theillustrated system 200, the headend 202 includes a program feed 204 andan asset source 206. As noted above, the program feed 204 may beassociated with a variety of programming sources such as video storage,an antenna, satellite dish or fiber feed from a studio or the like. Theasset source 206 may include a tape library or other storage system forstoring pre-recorded assets. A platform associated with the headend202—in this case, denoted a selector 208—inserts programming from theprogram feed 204 and assets from the asset source 206 into the videostream of an individual channel 210. This is done for each channel todefine the overall content stream 212 that is distributed to subscribers(or at least to a node filter).

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the CPE 222 receives the content stream 212that includes programming and assets from the headend 202. In theillustrated example, the content stream 212 is processed by a signalprocessing unit 224, which may be incorporated into a digital set-topbox (DSTB), and programming is displayed on television set 226.Alternatively, or in conjunction with such displaying, the contentstream 212 may be stored in a storage device 230 associated with the CPE222 for subsequent consumption. It will be appreciated that substantialstorage at the CPE 222 may be required in this regard. For example, suchstorage may be available in connection with certain digital videorecorder (DVR) units or other storage provided with the DSTB ortelevision set. It will be appreciated that the components associatedwith the CPE 222 may be embodied in a single device or in separateinterconnected devices and the nature of the functionality may vary. Inthe case of a digital cable user, the signal processing unit 224 andother components may be incorporated into a DSTB for decoding digitalsignals and storing content. Such boxes are typically capable ofbi-directional messaging with the headend 202. In the context of thepresent invention, such bi-direction messaging allows CPEs to reportwhen an asset has been skipped (or when it has been consumed).

The illustrated CPE 224 includes an asset skip monitoring module 240.The module 240 is operative to identify asset skip events (full orpartial) and to report this information to the network (e.g., theheadend 202). For example, asset skip events may be identified based onmonitoring a click stream from a remote control or otherwise monitoringthe video stream delivered to the user. As shown in FIG. 3, appropriateinformation may be included in this regard in a report file 300. Forpurposes of illustration, the file 300 includes tour types of reportinformation 310A-D. 310A identifies the break or spot at issue. Field310B indicates an associated programming channel (or asset channel incertain targeted asset system implementations). This information isuseful to identify the relevant asset provider so that the assetprovider may optionally be compensated for the asset skip. Field 310Cidentifies certain user classification values for the user. Finally,field 310D includes a skip flag to indicate whether or not the asset wasskipped and/or metadata otherwise identifying a consumption statusrelated to the asset. This field 310D allows for compensating assetproviders and appropriately billing users in relation to asset skipping.Other information such as a goodness of fit of the user classificationinformation to the asset targeting parameters, or simply userclassification or identification information, may be provided.

In another arrangement, the asset skipping functionality may beimplemented in an on-demand architecture. Such arrangements areillustrated in FIG. 4. In this arrangement, a content source 402 (e.g.,server) provides a content stream to a user equipment device 404 a, 404b and/or 404 c (generally referenced as 404 below) that has requestedspecific programming content. The content stream may include therequested programming as well as interleaved assets, which may becombined with the programming by the content source.

As shown, the on-demand architecture may be implemented in numerouscommunication environments. For instance, content may be provided in awireless telephony network where a wireless device 404 a is capable oftwo-way communications with the content source 402. The on-demandarchitecture may also be implemented in a packet switched architecturewhere content is provided to a device 404 b via a packet switchednetwork 420 such as the Internet and/or Worldwide Web. Likewise, theon-demand architecture may be implemented on a broadcast network 430.

In any case, the device 404 receives the content stream, which may bedecoded as necessary, and output to the user. In conjunction withgenerating the output for the user, the device 404 may monitor forinputs from the user. Specifically, the device 404 or another platformmay monitor for inputs before and/or during transmission of the contentto the device 404. For example, a user may select, ahead of time, tohave the content transmitted free from assets. Alternatively, duringcontent delivery, the CPE 404 or another platform may monitor for skipinputs from the user. As may be appreciated, such skip inputs mayinclude fast-forward inputs and/or time-skip inputs (e.g., skip forward30 seconds). The device 404 may deliver such inputs to the contentsource 402. The content source 402 may then adjust the content stream inaccordance with the instructions received from the device 404. Inconjunction with such adjustment of the content stream, the contentsource 402 may record that a skip input corresponds with one or moreassets within the content stream. That is, the content source 402 may beoperative to correlate skip inputs received from a user to assets withinthe content stream such that asset skip events (full or partial) may beidentified. Accordingly, a record of assets skipped by the user may begenerated such that an asset provider may be compensated for the assetskip and/or the user may be billed for such asset skipping.

The forward-and-store implementation of the present invention involvesthe transmission of content streams having programming and interleavedassets where the content stream(s) are stored at the user equipmentdevice. In this implementation, the device may be utilized to electwhich, if any, of the assets the user will consume while consuming theprogramming. Existing DSTBs can be configured to execute logic forimplementing the system described below by downloading and/or preloadingappropriate logic. In conjunction with the discussion above in relationto FIGS. 2 and 3, it will be appreciated that the asset skip monitoringfunctionality may be fully integrated with a traffic and billing (T&B)platform. The T&B platform allows asset providers to select slots fortheir assets and handles billing for delivery of those assets and, inthe present embodiment, adjustment of such billing.

An associated process is illustrated in FIG. 5. The illustrated processbegins by loading contract information 508 from the traffic and billing(T&B) system 506 onto the headend 504. An interface associated with theT&B system 506 allows asset providers to execute contracts fordissemination of assets based on time-slot buys (for a given program orgiven time on a given network) and/or based on certain audienceclassification information (e.g., desired demographics, psychographics,geography, and/or audience size). The system 506 uses this informationto compile the contract information 508, which is used to determine atime slot in which the asset is to be delivered.

The illustrated headend 504 uses the Contract information together witha schedule of breaks for individual networks to generate a contentstream 510 on a channel-by-channel basis. That is, the content streamincludes programming and interleaved assets that are available for agiven programming channel together with associated metadata identifyingthe interleaved assets.

The user equipment device, such as CPE 502, receives the content stream510 that includes programming, assets and associated metadata. The CPE502 may then store 512 a portion of the content stream in a storagedevice 530 for subsequent consumption. The stored content stream may beindexed to its original broadcast time. During such subsequentconsumption/outputting 514, a user may select, e.g. on an asset-by-assetbasis, which assets, if any, to view. That is, a user may skip assetswhen the programming is viewed. The metadata associated with each of theskipped assets may be indexed to the original broadcast time and channeland recorded 516 for subsequent or immediate reporting 518 to theheadend 504.

In the case of real-time broadcast viewing, the CPE monitors a clickstream to identify an asset skip event such as tuning away from an asset(e.g., channel surfing during a commercial break) and report consumptionor skipping information. For example, in connection with the targetedasset delivery system of the above-noted U.S. patent application Ser.No. 11/332,772, the asset selected, for a spot where targeting issupported, is reported, for example, by identifying the asset channelselected by the CPE for that spot. In the context of the presentinvention, such a report may also include a verification that the assetwas fully delivered or an indication that the asset was skipped orpartially skipped. Such reports may also include presence, goodness offit and level of interest information.

The illustrated process implements a reporting system by which theindividual CPEs 502 report back to the headend 504 what asset(s) (e.g.,identified by metadata) were skipped by the CPE 502. The reports willtypically indicate where (on what programming or asset channel) theasset was available and how much (if any) of the asset was consumed. Forinstance, the CPE may return metadata associated with skipped assetssuch that the headend 504 can tally, for example, the number of times aparticular ad was skipped by multiple CPEs. Such reports 518 may beprovided by all participating CPEs 502 (to enable billing of customersfor skipping) or a sampling thereof. These reports 518 may be generatedperiodically to allow users who store content for subsequent consumptionto have an opportunity to consume the programming and/or assets. Forinstance, it may be desirable to collect reports for an extended periodafter programming is originally broadcast (e.g., 10 days) to allow amajority of forward-and-store users to view the stored content. In anycase, upon consuming the content or at a selected time thereafter, areport may be generated and provided to the network. The CPEs may becontrolled as to when reports are generated so as to spread the reportsover time and/or to provide reports when bandwidth is most available.

The reports 518 can be provided 520 from the headend 504 to the T&Bsystem 506, for example, in raw or aggregated form. For example, thereports can be used by the T&B system 506 to determine how large anaudience received the content and/or how many users skipped assetswithin the content, This information may in turn be provided to theasset provider(s), at least in an aggregated form. In this manner, thenetwork operator can bill based on delivery of a particular asset orscale the billing rate (increase or decrease) based on actual delivery.In addition, the T&B system 506 may calculate a per impression value foreach asset based on, for example, the contract price and the size of thedelivery audience. Accordingly, a bill may be generated for eachindividual CPE based on the assets skipped by the CPE, and the value ofthose assets. Accordingly, this bill may be delivered to the user of theCPE.

A processor associated with the headend, the T & B system or othersystem can monitor asset consumption or skipping on a per subscriber(household and/or individual viewer) basis to execute consumer loyaltyor rewards program logic. For example, the processor may establishrewards accounts for each subscriber and track asset consumption inrelation to such accounts. Such rewards may be administered by an MSO orother network provider based on the number and/or value of assetsconsumed. Additionally or alternatively, asset consumption informationmay be processed by such a processor, or forwarded to an external systemfor processing, in relation to a third party or affiliate rewardsprogram. For example, this may be administered by an asset provider, aprogramming provider (e.g., a programming network), or a third party (afrequent flyer program, UPromise, etc.). Subscribers may elect, i.e.,opt-in, to such a program or membership may be automatic. Members mayalso provide demographic or other information (including, for example,an email or other contact information) in connection with the rewardsprogram. Such information may be fed to the targeted asset deliverysystem to improve targeting.

It will thus be appreciated that the present invention allows a networkoperator such as an MSO to sell asset delivery under the conventionalasset delivery (time-slot) buy paradigm, or other targeted advertisingparadigms, while allowing for adjustment of the billing to the assetprovider based on the skipping of assets by users, as well as allowingan end user the option to receive or not receive the assets.

In accordance with the present invention, modified ratings may begenerated based on reports to reflect not only how large (and whatcomposition) an audience the assets were made available to, but also howlarge (and what composition ) an audience actually consumed each asset.These latter ratings reflect users who receive the programming channelbut elect to skip assets embedded therein. For example, the billing ratemay be established in advance based on previous rating information forthe program in question, or the best available ratings information forthe particular airing of the program may be used to bill the assetprovider. The billing rate may subsequently factor in forward-and-storeusers that skip the embedded assets. Alternatively, the initial billingrate may be based on verified consumption and therefore presumablyinclude a premium in relation to unverified delivery.

III. Component Overview

As noted above, various system architectures are possible, for example,involving processing the user inputs or click stream at any convenientlocation including at the CPE or another location such as at or near aDSLAM or the headend. Implementing the ad skip monitoring systeminvolves having CPEs report which assets were delivered to the user(s)and/or which assets were skipped (i.e., asset consumption), Accordingly,billing information based on actual deliver, or non-delivery of assetscan be generated by way of a CPE reporting process. As described below,the present invention provides an appropriate reporting process in thisregard and provides a mechanism for using such report information toenable billing based on non-delivery of assets. In addition to improvingthe quality of billing information and information available foranalysis of asset effectiveness and return on investment, this reportinginformation may in some instances provide (in some reportingimplementations) audience measurement information. Accordingly, suchinformation may allow for generating improved ratings and share data.For example, such data may be licensed to networks or ratingsmeasurement entities. Thus, for example, if a given program such as adaytime or late night program is found to have a high skip rate, suchinformation can be used by advertisers and network providers in decisionmaking.

FIG. 6 illustrates a reporting system 600 in accordance with the presentinvention. The reporting system 600 is operative to allow one or moreparticipating users, generally identified by reference numeral 602, toreport asset consumption. In the illustrated implementation, such reportinformation is transmitted to a network platform such as a headend 604.The report information may be further processed by an operations center606 and a traffic and billing system 608.

More specifically, report information is generated by individual CPEs614, each of which includes a report processing module 616 and an assetskip module 618. Metadata disseminated with or in advance of theseassets may be utilized to report which assets were delivered and/orwhich assets were skipped. That is, the report-processing module 616 isoperative to report to the headend 604 information regarding assetsactually delivered and, in some implementations, assets that wereskipped by the user. Accordingly, in such implementations, thereport-processing module 616 receives asset skip information from assetskip module. This information is used to populate various fields of areport file.

In one implementation of the present invention, the reporting system 600may operate in a standard mode or an exposed mode. In the standard mode,the transmitted report file 612 is substantially free of any sensitiveinformation. However, the file 612 will typically include anidentification code for the user, e.g., in its header field. Thisidentification code and any other information that may be deemedsensitive from a privacy perspective may be hashed as an early step inreport processing to protect user privacy as the report is transferredacross the network.

In the exposed mode, a report file 610 may include more informationincluding sensitive information. For example, information such as name,age, gender, income and the like for a user may be included in the file610. In this regard, various levels of exposed mode may be definedcorresponding to various levels of allowed potentially sensitiveinformation. This information may be useful, for example, for comparisonwith estimated values to monitor system performance and to diagnoseerrors. It will be appreciated that operation in the exposed mode may belimited to a small number of users who have consented to inclusion ofpotentially sensitive information in report files. In this regard, theremay be individual control of participation in exposed mode operation(and at what level of exposed mode) at the CPE level.

This report files pass through the headend 604 and are processed by anoperations center 606. The operations center 606 is operative to performa number of functions including processing report information forsubmission to billing. The operations center 606 then forwards theprocessed report information to the traffic and billing system 608. Thetraffic and billing system 608 uses the processed report information to,inter alia, provide measurement information to asset providers withrespect to delivered assets, to assign appropriate billing values fordelivered assets, and to estimate the target universe in connection withdeveloping new asset delivery contracts. Further, the traffic andbilling system 608 is operative to bill users for asset-skip events.

That is, asset-skipping events can be detected and this information canbe reported. The relevant asset provider and/or network provider canthen be compensated for this diminution in value and/or the user can bebilled to compensate for such asset skipping.

In this regard, the illustrated system 600 utilizes the asset skipmodule 618 to identify asset skip events (full or partial) and to reportthis information to the network. For example, asset skip events may beidentified based on monitoring a, click stream from a remote control orotherwise monitoring the video stream delivered to the user. Asdiscussed in relation to FIG. 3, appropriate information may be includedin this regard in a report file.

FIG. 7 illustrates the various network components of a reporting system700, as well as their connection to other functional components of theoverall system. The illustrated system includes a headend controller702, an operations center 704 and a T&B system 716. In conventionalnetworks without asset skipping functionality, the traffic and billingsystem generally serves a number of functions. Among these, atrafficking function involves order entry and assigning assets to spots.In this regard, an asset delivery schedule is built such that theheadend knows to insert a particular asset upon receiving an identifiedcue. Another function relates to billing. When the headend inserts anasset, it generates an as run log. These as run logs are used by thetraffic and billing system to generate affidavits verifying delivery ofthe assets for purposes of billing.

In the case of a system incorporating ad-skipping functionality, this issomewhat more complicated. With regard to billing, it is desired toprovide the T&B system 716 with information analogous to theconventional as run logs plus report information detailing non-consumedassets, which originates from the CPEs. Moreover, knowledge of whichassets were not consumed in connection with what programming channelgenerally requires: 1) a report from the CPE indicating what programmingchannel was employed for a given spot; 2) what asset was inserted forthat spot; and 3) an indicator of an asset skip event for that spot.

The illustrated headend controller 702 generates as-run logs 714 for allchannels identifying the assets that have been transmitted via thechannels. Thus, in step A of the illustrated system 700, the as-run logs714 from the headend controller 702 are processed by the operationscenter 704. This processing provides a network based accounting for useby the T&B system 716 of all assets that were inserted by the assetserver 712 on the channels. In step B of the illustrated system 700,report information is processed. Specifically, an Asset SkipNotification (ASN) 710, including report information, is obtained inconnection with each asset skip event monitored by the CPEs. Thisinformation identifies at least the spot or break and the asset or assetchannel selected. As noted above, all participating digital set topboxes can be configured to return ASNs.

The as run logs 714 together with the ASNs 710 provide a clear pictureof what assets were distributed with respect to each programming channeland how many digital set top boxes actually delivered the assets, Thisinformation can be used to generate affidavits 720 verifying actualasset delivery. Specifically, the T&B system 716 may adjust audienceestimate values associated with the as run logs 714 based on the ASNs.That is, audience estimate values for a given asset may be reduced bythe number of users who elect not to consume the asset. This allows forbilling asset providers based on actual delivery of targetedimpressions. In addition, the T&B system 716 may utilize the ASNs togenerate user bills 718. Such bills may be generated for users who electto skip assets while consuming programming. To generate such bills, theT&B system 716 may re-has an identification code associated with eachASN in order to bill the user associated with a given asset skip event.

FIG. 8 generally illustrates a customer premises side process 800 forimplementing the asset-skip reporting functionality. Initially, contentis received (802) from a communications network interface by a customerpremise equipment device where the content includes programming andassociated assets. In the present arrangement, this may entail receivingbroadcast content from a headend in a cable network. This content may bestored (804) for subsequent consumption by a user. At a subsequent time,the content may be output (806) to a user. During such outputting, thesystem may be operative to monitor (808) the consumption status of theassets associated with the programming. For instance, the system maymonitor (808) the output of the content to identify one or moreassets-skip events that may be associated with one or more programmingbreaks in the content. If no asset-skip events are identified at the endof the content output, the process may end. If an asset-skip event isidentified, the event may be recorded (810). A determination may then bemade as to whether to continue monitoring. Once monitoring is completed,a report indicative of any asset-skip events may be generated andtransmitted (812) to a platform within the network.

FIG. 9 illustrates a network side process 900 in connection with thereporting functionality. Initially, content is transmitted (902) via acommunications network to least a first customer equipment device.Again, such content will typically include programming and interleavedassets. The customer equipment device may include customer premiseequipment devices as well as mobile devices. At a time after initiatingtransmittal of the content, signals may be received (904) from thecustomer equipment device. The signals may be processed (906) toidentify at least a first asset identified with a skip-event and, in onearrangement, to identify a user associated with the skip-event. Theresulting processed information may be utilized for separate yetinterrelated purposes. For instance, a value for each skipped asset maybe determined (908). Accordingly, this value may be utilized to adjust(912) the bill of an injured asset provider and/or to bill a userassociated with the asset-skip event. In the latter regard, an accountof a user may be billed for multiple asset skip events and a single billmay be issued periodically (e.g., monthly). Alternatively, the processedinformation may be utilized to adjust (910) an audience size estimatefor individual assets. Accordingly, this adjustment of audience size mayalso or alternatively be utilized to adjust (912) the bill of theinjured asset provider.

FIG. 10 illustrates a request for information (RFI) system 1000 inaccordance with the present invention. The system allows users of onecommunications network (e.g., a cable television network or a datanetwork, e.g., the internet) to provide information useful for targetingassets in another network (e.g., a data network or cable televisionnetwork). Thus, for example, information regarding viewing habits orclassification parameters developed in connection with a cabletelevision targeted advertising system may be used to target banner ads,or other assets, during an internet session of an associated networkuser. Conversely, information developed from analyzing internet usagemay be utilized to target assets via the cable television network. Inparticular, it has been recognized that some network users havedifferent usage modes associated with different networks. For example,when watching television, a user may prefer that interactiverequirements and interruptions to programming be kept at a minimum. T hesame user may be interested in actively electing information, anddelving deeper into available content during a data network session. Anasset provider may wish to take advantage of both modes, for example, byproviding a rich and alluring video asset (e.g., a computer, a PDA, adata enabled phone, etc.) via television followed by more detailedproduct information in an interactive context during a subsequent datanetwork session.

Such a strategy may be particularly effective and inoffensive where theuser has expressly indicated an interest in receiving the follow-oninformation. The system 1000 of FIG. 10 shows one architecture forexecuting this functionality. The system 1000 includes an RFI platform1002 in communication with a user equipment device 1004 of a cabletelevision network and a data terminal 1010. It will be appreciatedthat, although a single platform 1002 is shown for purposes ofillustration, the associated functionality may be distributed overmultiple platforms. Moreover, though a single deice 1004 and a singleterminal 1010 are shown, the platform can service many devices andterminals within a network environment.

In addition, though the system 1000 is described below in relation to acommon user of the single device 1002 and the single terminal 1010, itwill be appreciated that a variety of usage patterns are possible. Forexample, the device 1004 may be used by multiple members of a household.Those household members may or may not also be users of the terminal1010. In some cases, multiple household members who use the device 1002(concurrently or separately) may have separate terminals 1010.Conversely, multiple users of a terminal 1010 may have separate devices1002. Also, each of the device I004 and terminal 1010 may be associatedwith a set of multiple users, which sets may be the same or different.It should also be appreciated that the device 1004 and terminal 1010 maybe at the same location (e.g., a residence) or different locations(e.g., one at home and the other at an office or a mobile device).

In one implementation of the present invention, a user or users of thedevice 1004 receive a first asset on the device 1002 and receive asecond, follow-on asset via the terminal 1010. For example, the firstasset may be a product placement ad or an ad presented during acommercial break. The second asset may be product information deliveredby email or an emailed link to interactive content. Alternatively oradditionally, the follow-on asset may be delivered to the device 1004(e.g., to be stored for later delivery or on a dedicated asset channel),via the mail or by phone.

In the illustrated implementation, little or no input by the user may berequired to initiate delivery of the second asset. For example, when thetargeted advertising system reports that a particular user or users(e.g., as estimated by an audience classifier) have consumed an asset,that may prompt delivery of the second ad. Alternatively, a userwatching programming including a product placement ad, watching otherprogramming such as a weather report or history themed programming, orwatching an ad during a commercial break may provide an input to requestinformation. The input may be entered, for example, by pressing adesignated remote control key. This input may be responsive to a prompt(e.g., a pop-up message or icon, indicating that information isavailable) or sua sponte. In this manner, the second asset may bedelivered based on a single input, thus requiring minimal interaction bythe user and entailing little or no interruption of the currenttelevision programming/asset. However, if desired, additionalinteraction can be accommodated. For example, after the user has enteredan initial FRI input, the user may be prompted to enter additionalinformation, e.g., via a menu using arrow and enter keys. Suchinformation may include: identifying the user or users requesting thesecond asset or information; identifying the modality or terminal(s) fordelivery of the information; identifying the information desired (e.g.,where multiple items of information are associated with the time of theRFI input such as when a product placement ad occurs during travelprogramming; or identifying a third party or parties (e.g., from afriends and family list of consenting/participating network users) towhom the information should be sent. Many other types of inputs may besupported.

Based on such inputs, information is transmitted from the device 1004 tothe platform 1002. This information may be raw click stream informationor processed information (e.g., an RFI message) based on the RFI input.In either case, the platform 1002 uses this information to determine thetime of the input (which may be the current time if the click streaminformation is concurrently transmitted to the platform 1002) and thechannel to which the user was tuned at the time of the input. Theplatform 1002 may also process this information to determine demographicor other user classification information, or to estimate the sizeand,/or composition of an audience to optimize future time-slot ad buys.

The platform 1002 then uses this information to access an asset playtime information database 1006. This database 1002, which may beconstructed using information from content providers (e.g., programmingnetworks), network providers (e.g., MSOs), equipment (e.g., headends)and other sources, identifies what assets played on what channels atwhat times. The database can thus be used to associate the FRI inputwith a first asset to which it pertains and, optionally, to a second(presumable related) asset or asset link to be delivered to the terminal1010. This second asset or link can then be retrieved from anasset/links database 1014. It will be appreciated that the assets/linksdatabase 1014 can be accessed based on a second asset identifier, afirst asset identifier or any other suitable information. Moreover,though multiple databases are depicted, any suitable data structureincluding a simple database or multiple databases, on a single ormultiple machines, at a single or multiple locations, can be utilized.

The subscriber information database 1008 includes various informationrelating to the network users. This information may include: contactinformation (email address, physical address, phone number, etc.);privacy information such as any consents or refusals to be contacted viaspecified modes, at specified times or with specified kinds ofinformation and promotions; friends and family lists; demographicinformation; loyalty program information; etc. For example, an emailaddress may be extracted from the subscriber information database inorder to send the second set to the terminal 1010.

FIG. 10 also shows that information from the RFI platform 1002 may besent to a rewards accounts platform 1012. As noted above, a rewardsprogram may credit value to a network user based on consumption of ads.In addition, value may be credited to a rewards account in connectionwith receiving a second asset or sending an asset to others on thenetwork user's friends and family list. In this regard, informationreflecting such activities is reported to platform 1012 for recordingpurposes.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been describedin detail, further modifications and adaptations of the invention mayoccur to those skilled in the art, However, it is to be expresslyunderstood that such modifications and adaptations are within the spiritand scope of the present invention.

1. A method for use in delivering content in a communications network,comprising the steps of: identifying a user input related to an assetskip event; associating the input with one or more asset deliveryopportunities; and recording skip information corresponding to the assetskip event with respect to the one or more asset delivery opportunities,wherein the skip information can be used in network administration. 2.The method of claim 1, wherein said step of identifying comprisesobtaining input information from said user input requesting that contentbe transmitted to a user equipment device free from assets.
 3. Themethod of claim 1, wherein said step of identifying comprises obtaininginformation from said user input entered during playing of content at auser equipment device substantially at a time slot associated with anasset.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein said step of storing comprisesrecording said skip information in memory of a user equipment device. 5.The method of claim 1, wherein said step of storing comprises recordingsaid skip information at a network platform separate from a userequipment device where said user input was entered.
 6. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising using said skip information to compensatefor a diminution of an audience for one or more assets.
 7. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising the step of determining a billing value fora user based on said skip information.
 8. A method for use in connectionwith the delivery of content to users of a communications network,comprising: receiving content from a communications network interface,wherein said content includes programming and associated assets;outputting said content to a user; monitoring a consumption status ofsaid assets; and generating a signal indicative of said consumptionstatus for at least a portion of said assets.
 9. The method of claim 8,wherein receiving comprises receiving content from a broadcast network.10. The method of claim 9, wherein said broadcast network comprises avideo network.
 11. The method of claim 8, wherein receiving comprisesreceiving content from a packet switched network.
 12. The method ofclaim 8, wherein receiving comprises receiving content from a telephonynetwork.
 13. The method of claim 8, wherein said signal comprisesinformation regarding non-consumed assets.
 14. The method of claim 13,further comprising: transmitting said signal to a platform of saidcommunications network.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein said signalis transmitted via said communications network interface.
 16. The methodof claim 13, further comprising: adjusting a billing value based atleast in part on said non-consumed assets.
 17. The method of claim 16,further comprising: billing said user for at least a portion of saidbilling value.
 18. The method of claim 16, further comprising: reducingan asset delivery cost of at least a first asset provider based at leastin part on said information regarding non-consumed assets.
 19. Themethod of claim 8, wherein said assets are interleaved with saidprogramming.
 20. The method of claim
 8. wherein monitoring comprisesmonitoring inputs from said user.
 21. A method for use in connectionwith the delivery of content to users of a communications network,comprising: outputting content to a user of a communications network,said content including programming and assets, wherein said assets areinterleaved with said programming; receiving an asset skip input fromsaid user, said input being associated with a programming break in saidprogramming; recording consumption information associated with saidinput; and transmitting said consumption information to a platform ofsaid communications network.
 22. The method of claim 21, whereinoutputting comprises outputting stored content from a storage deviceassociated with a customer premise equipment device of the user.
 23. Themethod of claim 22, wherein the stored content is received via a networkinterface.
 24. The method of claim 21, wherein recording consumptioninformation comprises recording consumption information for at least afirst asset associated with said programming break.
 25. The method ofclaim 22, wherein recording consumption information comprises recordingconsumption information for a plurality of inputs associated with aplurality of programming breaks.
 26. The method of claim 21, whereintransmitting comprises transmitting a plurality of consumptioninformation associated with a of plurality inputs.
 27. The method ofclaim 21, further comprising: transmitting said input to a contentsource associated with said communications network, wherein said contentsource is operative to calculate an asset delivery value associated withsaid input.
 28. The method of claim 21, further comprising: transmittingsaid input to a content source in said communications network, whereinsaid content source is operative to adjust delivery of said content viasaid network in accordance with said input.
 29. The method of claim 21,wherein said communications network is a video network.
 30. The methodof claim 29, wherein said video network is a cable television network.31. The method of claim 21, wherein said communications network is apacket switched network.
 32. The method of claim 21, wherein saidcommunications network is a telephony network. 33.-47. (canceled)
 48. Anapparatus for use in connection with the delivery of content to users ofa communications network, comprising: a structure for transmittingcontent to multiple customer premise equipment devices of multiplenetwork users via a broadcast network, wherein said content includesprogramming and associated assets; a receiver for receiving signals froma number of said customer premise equipment devices regardingconsumption statuses of said assets by users of said number of customerpremise equipment devices; a processor operative for determining assetconsumption information based on said received signals.
 49. Theapparatus of claim 48, wherein said processor is operative to generateat least a first value associated with said asset consumption value. 50.The apparatus of claim 48, wherein said processor is operative togenerate a consumption value for each of said number of customer premiseequipment devices.
 51. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein said structureand said receiver transmit aid receive, respectively via a commoncommunication pathway. 52.-60. (canceled)